Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton considers starting a state run casino in the Twin Cities to raise money

Dayton says he would consider supporting a Twin Cities casino to raise money for Minnesota’s ailing budget, but not for a new Vikings stadium.

The former senator says a metro-area casino would raise about $200 million a year, and would bring “much needed competition” to Mystic Lake Casino, the only tribally run casino in the Twin Cities area.

The Prior Lake casino is owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community.

Dayton says he wants to raise taxes on the wealthy, including tribal members who have received million-dollar casino pay-outs.

He says the money would pay for services such as public schools.

Dayton talked about the idea at a wide-ranging Capitol news conference Monday.

The former U.S. senator says a metro-area casino would raise about $200 million a year.

He says such a facility would bring “much needed competition” to Mystic Lake Casino, the only tribally run casino in the Twin Cities. The Prior Lake establishment is owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

Dayton says he wants to raise taxes on the wealthy, including tribal members who have received million-dollar casino pay-outs. He says the money would pay for services such as public schools.

Dayton says he is not only considering a state-run casino but also tax increases on couples who make more than $150k.

After a news conference last week in which he ducked most reporters’ questions, DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton reappeared at the Capitol on Monday with more details about his campaign.

Dayton said if he became governor, he’d consider backing a new state-run casino near the Twin Cities — a notion that dates back to his failed 1998 gubernatorial bid.

Dayton said that he isn’t a fan of gambling but that such a casino could bring revenue the state sorely needs. Unlike some casino backers, Dayton didn’t propose dedicating the proceeds to a new Vikings stadium.

He also shed a little more light on who would pay higher taxes in a Dayton administration: couples earning more than $150,000 a year.

“They will pay modestly higher income taxes,” he said. Those who earn more would see steeper tax increases, Dayton said.

It’s about time that creep Stanley Crooks has some competition with casino workers employed in a smoke-free casino at living wages with all the rights enjoyed by other workers under state and federal labor laws.

All the casinos should be taxed to pay for schools and health care; after all, these smoke-filled casinos are causing very expensive heart, lung and cancer health problems.

The Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council is looking forward to representing the workers in a new state-owned casino.
All of these casinos should have been state-owned casinos in the first place with good, strict enforcement of affirmative action policies for Native American Indians; because, like former long-time Red Lake Nation chair Roger Jourdain always said, “As long as a bunch of mobsters own the slot machines the only way Indian people are going to get anything out of these casinos is if they get paid good living wages.”

Mark Dayton should now be asked by the media what he intends to do to enforce affirmative action so Native American Indians, other people of color, women and the disabled will get good paying jobs in a healthy and safe working environment in the state-owned casino in the Twin Cities.

FEATURED COMMENT:

Is a casino allowed under the MN Constitution?

Search our Constitution here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cco/rules/mncon/preamble.htm I did. I cannot find any prohibition of a casino, gaming, gambling, cards tc.. If you do, please link it. Search our statutes here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/pubs/ There are whole sections on gabling taxes, gambling enforcement, legal games and devices. If gambling was unconstitutional, as former AG and DFL toady Mike Hatch ruled when Pawlenty proposed the same thing, why does the legislature feel compelled to write laws forbidding some types of gaming and regulating others? If we can’t do it because it is unconstitutional, then we don’t need statutes to prohibit, regulate or tax it because we can’t do it. Again, link the provision or staute that bars the stet from running a casino. You won’t find it. Bill G.

posted by ruphina on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:07 PM |

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS:

Casino makes sense

A casino paying taxes makes way too much sense for Dayton. Gambling would produce a steady stream of income for the state, on a purely voluntary basis. I can’t believe I agree with him on something.

posted by peastman1 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:38 PM |

Wow….

I finally agree with Dayton on something. While I would like some of the money from a Racino to go for a Stadium, I wouldn’t be heartbroken if none does.

How is this not a no brainer? People are going to gamble no matter what. Mine as well solve some of our state budget problems with it.

posted by gopherfan10101 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:39 PM |

wolfstar_mn…

Nobody is putting a gun to these peoples head and making them go and gamble. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. Its not the governments job to protect people from themselves.

posted by gopherfan10101 on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:03 PM |

BRILLIANT!

so people like champions would rather have the indians continue to get all the gambling revenue tax free. you’re brilliant. people are going to gamble it’s a fact. why don’t the taxpayers of mn get a part of that money and have it put to good use instead of the high ranking officers of the tribe.

posted by n363813 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:41 PM |

Dayton??

I can’t believe this is Mark Dayton. This is the very first time I have been on his side.

posted by gbrene on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:48 PM |

I am shocked a DFLer would break the tribe influence and suggest something beneficial to the Twin Cities!

About time Dayton! Congratulations for “manning” up!

posted by Healthcrusader on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:53 PM |

What is the argument…

against a casino anyway in this state? Is it because the Native American lobbyists pay the state too much money under the table? I will never go to a casino, but I have no problem with anyone else who would want to.

posted by stpaulite15 on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:10 PM |

Casino not the problem

CUT SPENDING! WE CANNOT CONTINUE AT THIS RATE! IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!

posted by foobarxyz on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:24 PM |

wolfstar_mn…

How is going to a place voluntarily and spending money a tax?

posted by gopherfan10101 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:48 PM |

Wow!

I won’t be supporting Mark Dayton, but I certainly support this idea!

Thank you for supporting it! Hopefully the Republican candidates will follow your lead on this issue!!!

posted by SMBowner3 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:57 PM |

“Better not to expand a vice in the name of revenues is my feeling.”

How about expanding a freedom? People do not need to partake in vices. Vices are in one’s own eyes and beliefs. If casino style gambling has been approved for one group of citizens of the United States of America, why not another?

posted by jstanthrnbr on Jan. 25, 10 at 8:13 PM |

Not that I care that much

about the Vikings after yesterday, but why couldn’t some of the money generated from a casino be used in part to fund a new stadium? Their advancement to the champ game really showed what they mean to this state. Everything was Vikings. They are as important as any other institution. And how exactly do they get a stadium (which they will get or they WILL move) if you won’t help? Wilf doesn’t need to fund the whole thing. LA would be happy to help him, and with no lease to hold them…well, you do the math.

posted by starchild73 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:32 PM |

Check the Gaming Compact

the reservations signed with the State of Minnesota during the Perpich administration and you will see why this will never happen. Mr. Dayton should know this.

posted by EdBradly7 on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:20 PM |

Campaign ploy

There isn’t a snowball chance in hell of this passing and he knows it. Purely a campaign ploy.

posted by notmetoo on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:29 PM |

Sorry folks – I’m a Dem and like the idea of a state-run casino to compete with the Indian-run casinos. I don’t think it should be a Rep/Dem thing – just something to help MN.

posted by mnjoe5078 on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:36 PM |

Do This And Include The Stadium

Until there’s federal legislation that prohibits public funding of professional sports facilities, we have to put money into a Vikings stadium and a Racino is the best way to do this!

Why do we let all our gambling money go out of the country over the internet? Let’s allow people to gamble right here in Minnesota!

posted by SMBowner3 on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:18 PM |

hfnorth

Adding prostitution to the racino may make it unpopular, so we should handle that separately. However, I have no problem with a state run whore house. If you want to eliminate illegal prostitution, legalize it and tax it.

posted by SMBowner3 on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:22 PM |

huh?

Wait, wasn’t the Lottery created to add money to the state budget? Wasn’t it also supposed to allow for more money allocated to the DNR and such? How is it that we continue to have to raise taxes to cover budget shortfalls? Wait, that’s because Government continues to expand and cost more money…meaning that in order to continue to support the public services sector of society (and NOT of the plowing roads and keeping ice rinks open variety – I’m talking the kind that supports those that choose not to support themselves). And when are we going to realize that instead of throwing more money at education, there are realize solutions that wouldn’t cost us more money, but rather a shift in ideology … I’m sorry, I’m all for the casino if it was there to strictly fund the “extra” things we currently can’t afford, but if it’s only there to close the gap then I’m a BIG HUGE “NO” vote! If anyone here’s convinced that after raising $200 more million they won’t find a way to waste it and still wind up short in 5 – 10 years, you’re flat out crazy!

posted by dayoldbread on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:32 PM |

Build it on the site of the Metrodome

Would be great. No reason the indians should have a monopoly…

posted by kdj12345 on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:34 PM |

There is no…..

lack of money in government. The fact of the matter is our government taxes too much and spends too much. There will NEVER be “enough” money in government for some people. We should return government to handling essential functions and cut most other items. We don’t need a casino, we need leaders that are willing to cut spending, cut taxes, reduce regulation and maximize individual freedom. We need leaders that are willing to reform the tax code, take on the education lobby and reduce Human Services spending. We need less money in government and not more. We need more freedom and more money in our hands equals more freedom for us. Can a Democrat tell me when a good time to cut government spending and taxation is? It seems Democrats always insist on more of both whether the economy is doing great or in a recession. Also, how much money should an individual be taxed between local, state & federal government? 10%? 15%? 20%? 25%? 30%? 35%? 40%? 50%? 60%? 70%? Some other percentage? And finally, should the taxpayers of this nation be protected with government spending & taxation limits? God Bless America, capitalism, freedom and our Founding Fathers.

posted by inreality on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:11 PM |

asmithe2…

Wow…So much wrong with your comment. When did I say I want to take money from Indians? I have no problem with the Native American Casinos. I just think the state should be able to get a piece of the pie. If folks still want to go to Mystic Lake, more power to them. And saying that a person who would be against your $1 million dollar idea is a racist is just plain ignorant.

posted by gopherfan10101 on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:06 PM |

He’d have my vote if only…

…he were willing to help the Vikings. I support Racino’s at Running Aces& Canterbury Downs. I support a state run casino & I support a new stadium for the Vikings. Any candidate who in favor of these issues has my vote.

posted by moondog7273 on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:13 PM |

Finally something intelligent albeit undoable from Dayton

The ideas of using a casino in the Twin CitiesTo generate additional tax revenue for the state of Minnesota does have some merit. Unfortunately, $200 million will not make a substantial tent on the deficit. Additionally, Dayton or his advisors should understand that they cannot place in additional tax on wealthy Indians without discriminating against a protected class. This suggestion reflects an incredible naïveté on the part of Dayton and speaks to his qualifications to run for the office. A better solution would be to use casino revenues to help fund a stadium owned by the state and least to the Minnesota Vikings. This would create a strong economic base whether and downtown Minneapolis or in the surrounding suburbs. One way to tie the ownership into the Twin Cities would be to make the lease contingent on the Vikings any required to pay the difference between a market value of the team before and after stadium back to the state if the team is sold or moved. This will ensure that the state’s taxpayers would be protected in the event of a decision to move the team or sell on the basis of a higher valuation of the team resulting from a taxpayer-funded stadium.

posted by steffeni on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:35 PM |

Mark Dayton says he would be supporting a Twin Cities casino

What is it about government just trying and trying and trying to run private-type businesses?? The stadium …the Wayzata liquor store and restaurant ….Feds trying to run GM. What’s all this??

posted by bottomline on Jan. 25, 10 at 8:17 PM |

Lets at least post comments

That have at least a little substance to them. Whorehouse? What kind of comment is that? I guess a little sarcasm is ok but please take it at least one step further than a simple sarcastic comment.

posted by kite005s on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:00 PM |

Casino

Why not just legalize gambling?

posted by rmjefferson on Jan. 25, 10 at 8:51 PM |

I still say

Turn county road 83 into a mini Vegas strip. If you want to go there great, if not, don’t.

posted by jstanthrnbr on Jan. 25, 10 at 8:45 PM |

Indian competition?

No, my only beef is the question as to “why” a government is trying to run a business (in this case, a casino). Let the private sector run it ….if there is enough demand, it survives ….if not, it fails.

posted by bottomline on Jan. 25, 10 at 8:47 PM |

Gambling

As one who has seen the devastation that gambling has caused families across the state of Louisiana…and as a former “yankee” who has stood silent-mouthed as you so called “educated” Minnesotans ridiculed us “rednecks” in the South…it is indeed surprising that so many of you endore gambling..and then actually embrace the concept of gambling raising money for the state. This opinion is delusional at best, and equally shameful. Nothing good comes from gambling by any logical thinking. Shame on your politicians for embracing this idea and pandering to this idiotic behavior.

posted by pashatbayou2 on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:19 PM |

Not what I might expect from Mr. Dayton.

I support creative solutions to the budget crisis, but the old gambling for education song and dance rings very hollow. Somehow Elmer Anderson got on this bandwagon to help bring the lottery to Minnesota. Has there ever been a neutral study examining both revenues and costs that are generated by large scale gambling? I doubt it’s worth it once you consider the social costs. Better not to expand a vice in the name of revenues is my feeling. Keep it on the ‘Res and in ‘Vegas.

posted by inquire on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:51 PM |

???

What’s the relation between a casino and Republicans? There has never been support from either side of the aisle for a govn-run casino. You should dislike your own lack of facts much more than your conspiracy theories.

posted by starchild73 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:35 PM |

WOW!

About F’n time! Someone finally figured it out! Go get’em Mark!

posted by cheiron55401 on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:44 PM |

How about a state run whorehouse to raise money too?

A new MN Bunny Ranch like in Nevada for cash. Nice for ‘family values’ too.

posted by hfnorth on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:43 PM |

I like mark

He’s on the right, not vs left, side but the only reason to do this would be for a stadium. This might help with the deficit a little but not enough. A stadium on the other hand could create jobs which would feed money back into the state. Stipulate that as much as possible products and materials used would have to come from local sources whenever possible. My support for him would largely be affected by this one issue. Not that it’s the most important thing we have to think about but if he is against a stadium I would have difficulty supporting him. After all there will be other democrats in the race.

posted by kite005s on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:47 PM |

casino

what the indians afraid of compatition build it use money for schools

posted by elroberts on Jan. 25, 10 at 8:42 PM |

DO NOT LIKE DAYTON

but think WE should have a casino run by the state

posted by whatstheuse on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:17 PM |

Dayton gets my vote…

if for nothing else this alone is enough.

posted by stryper1961 on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:03 PM |

you don’t get it kite005s

Theres no end to the tax and spend, if they tax us more they will spend more! Ever hear them say we’ll put a freeze on spending and raise taxes to balance the budget? NO, it’s always we gotta raise taxes because(you name it, i heard the reasons…) but never do they cut or slash spending. Make some cuts to spending or for crying out loud FREEZE spending, but they refuse, it’s always more and more, never enough! signed an Angry Minnesotan

posted by razzy2000 on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:25 PM |

why is it

that some people posting seem to think that the indians have a right to monopoly on casinos? if people are going to spend money on this the state should get a cut so the working class can maybe get a break.

posted by samueldyer on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:17 PM |

Ww, he is so smart!

Thats the first time anyone ever thought up that one….NOT!

posted by officertruth on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:21 PM |

Racino

Over 70% of the voters favor the idea of a Racino in MN to pump much needed money into the state to support core programs like schools, transportation, infrastructure, etc.

posted by holstj on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:26 PM |

I also don’t

understand the objection to casinos. I go a couple times a year maybe. My dad used to go a lot, too much. It caused issues but if he didn’t do that he could and did find other avenues for gambling. Crime? I never saw any at a casino myself. I think most people use them as a form of entertainment and with a certain amount of money they are willing to part with. It’s easy to go beyond that also but so what.

posted by kite005s on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:26 PM |

re: EdBradley7

Here is the URL for the Indian Sorry to burst your bubble, but please read the Gaming compacts, as listed by the Indians themselves: http://www.ncai.org/Gaming_Compacts.103.0.html I waded through 3 of the Minnesota compacts- nowhere does it limit a Casino run by the state or anyone else UNLESS they tried to build one on Tribal land. If anyone can find a clause in any of these compacts that does prevent the state from running a casino, please post it. Bill G.

posted by ruphina on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:41 PM |

Hmmmm

I have seriously thought of casting my gubernatorial vote for Mr. Dayton, but his opposition to a new Vikings stadium nixes that idea. As for a state owned casino, where does it go? I’d oppose either downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul…existing parking is outrageously expensive. The location should have easy freeway access and lots of free/inexpensive parking. As for that casino’s profits, I’d suggest 1/3 be used to pay any state incurred debt for the stadium and the rest go to the general fund.

posted by hahaha99 on Jan. 25, 10 at 5:51 PM |

Put the casino in Shakopee.

We don’t need expanded access to gambling, but Dayton is correct that Mdewakanton Sioux don’t deserve their gambling monopoly. Get the land and auction the rights for the casino to a private company. If Mdewakanton Sioux don’t want the competition, they can buy the rights for themselves. If not, I look forward to Minnesota’s own Cesar’s Palace.

posted by dtlund on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:10 PM |

We Build Highways and Simultaneously Fund a Highway Patrol

And we can allow a state-run casino and ALSO set aside funds to deal with whatever alleged “social problems” would ensue. EdBrady7 needs to explain how the current law makes it impossible for Dayton’s proposal to be implemented. The comment about a “state run whorehouse” is a classic ignoratio elenchi — fallacy of the irrelevant conclusion — one can decide that either or neither or both ideas make sense without the one conclusion entailing the other. Also, is it really true that the only thing Native Americans “have going for them” is the casino revenues? That claim reeks of a nasty paternalism. Besides, you would need to show that a Twin Cities casino would seriously impede the other gambling venues already available, not simply assume that must happen. If nothing else Mark Dayton has performed the valuable public service of at least starting more debate about whether or not this type of idea is good policy. Compare: www.mn-racinos.com — look at the revenues that tiny Rhode Island reaps, for example. It is food for thought.

posted by rftmipplesjd on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:00 PM |

People who don’t think they have an addiction (drugs, gambling, alcohol) aren’t able to recognize that they have a problem.

So why is it “your” job to protect them from themselves? Who are “you” to needle yourself into everybody’s life …and “check up on them”?? These are private issues ….meant to be dealt with ….PRIVATELY. You know …by friends …family …church ….personal physician……

posted by bottomline on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:02 PM |

“How about expanding a freedom?”

Already done, you have plenty of choices as to where you gamble.

posted by leviw01 on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:05 PM |

I Think The Vice Of Vanity is Getting The Best of You, jstanthrnbr

“How about expanding a freedom? People do not need to partake in vices.” When they are addicted to their vices (drugs, alcohol, gambling) It’s not a choice for them…it is a need. “Vices are in one’s own eyes and beliefs.” You’re free to choose any vice you want to life. “If casino style gambling has been approved for one group of citizens of the United States of America, why not another?” Who said I can’t gamble at the casino? If I want to choose a lifestyle of addiction…what’s to stop me?

posted by pizann0 on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:10 PM |

A state run Casino is a idea who’s time has come…

We have one of the worse compacts with regard to indian gaming. Other states benefit from Indian gaming by receiving a small cut of the take. Take New Mexico, they get about 10% of the slot machine revenue generated. In Minnesota we get ZERO, NADA, ZILCH. Don’t believe me, read this: http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jan/29/legislators-eye-tribal-compacts/

posted by halfabubble on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:38 PM |

Tax The Other Guy

Isn’t it funny how wealthy heirs like Dayton and celebrities in Hollywood suddenly decide it’s a great idea to tax the rich AFTER they’ve already made their pile and won’t be taxed on it again.

posted by trice01 on Jan. 25, 10 at 10:38 PM |

“So why is it “your” job to protect them from themselves?

“Who are “you” to needle yourself into everybody’s life …and “check up on them”?? These are private issues ….meant to be dealt with ….PRIVATELY. You know …by friends …family …church ….personal physician……” Why do you think the police have a Vice Squad Division, bottomline?

posted by pizann0 on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:15 PM |

Dayton’s a fraud

This is nothing but a political game. He knows full well that the Dem party will not capitulate on an state run casino. All he’s doing is trying to sound supportive of cause many of us support. He’s a failed political hack who thinks he was born to rule. Old silver spoon boy should take his adictions and just go away.

posted by ranger78 on Jan. 25, 10 at 7:43 PM |

Why do you think the police have a Vice Squad Division, bottomline?

But “police” are only allowed to “search” with “probable cause” ….not with “blanket sweeps”. People seem to have forgotten the workings of the original Republic. Everyday life in the Republic was “quite private” on a “normal day”.

posted by bottomline on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:29 PM |

I was tempted to say I would vote for Dayton

until I read the end of the sentence which said “but not for a new Vikings stadium.” We need a new stadium. People would know that the casino was going to fund a stadium and could make a judgement to go there or not. Thus it is not using taxes to pay for it.

posted by Heiks on Jan. 25, 10 at 4:39 PM |

Who came up with this insane idea?

Mark Dayton? Well, no wonder.

posted by mrspock on Jan. 25, 10 at 9:36 PM |

razzy2000

Lets not spend any money, would that suit you just fine? Think a little bit. Spending has been cut in state government. TP refused any tax increases and as the cost of everything goes up that does amount to a cut. If we want to be a great state things have to be funded. But then again republicans can never think beyond the 4 or 5 matras they keep repeating.

posted by kite005s on Jan. 25, 10 at 6:35 PM |

Say what you will about the ills of gambling, but…

Preserving a monopoly for a sovereign nation that pays little taxes is no longer a viable economic reality. A state-owned casino would go a long way towards providing capital for MN public goods and infrastructure.